Lisa Chambers
Ceist:27. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health his plans for the expansion of the emergency aeromedical service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6424/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 8 February 2018
Ceisteanna (27)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for a Partnership Government committed to the expansion of the Emergency Aeromedical Services. In that context, the Department is engaging with the National Ambulance Service and a charity that delivers pre-hospital emergency care with a view to the establishment of a community based, charitably funded Helicopter Emergency Medical Service in the South. Over recent months there have been extensive discussions between all the parties to agree a service model, the aircraft to be deployed and in relation to clinical and operational governance arrangements.
The Deputy may wish to note that the HSE National Service Plan 2018 prioritises the expansion of aeromedical services. Additional development funding of €2.8m has been allocated to the National Ambulance Service this year, part of which has been earmarked for the expansion of the Emergency Aeromedical Service. I am hopeful that the new service will be introduced later this year and I await details of the final proposal.